Origin
Astragalus missouriensis Nutt. var. amphibolus Barneby, commonly known as Missouri milkvetch, is a subspecies of the plant Astragalus missouriensis Nutt. This plant species is commonly found growing in the central and eastern regions of North America. It can be found growing in grasslands, meadows, and open woodland areas.
Common Names
Missouri milkvetch is commonly referred to by several other names, including Missouri locoweed, Missouri milk-vetch, and amphibole milk-vetch.
Uses
The plant has no known medicinal uses but is an important forage plant for livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and deer. This plant is also known to improve soil quality, play a vital role in ecosystem functions, and its roots can improve the soil stability in areas prone to landslides.
General Appearance
Missouri milkvetch is a perennial plant with a single long stem that can grow up to 80 cm tall. The plant has a deep taproot that can reach up to 60 cm long. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 7-15 leaflets that are oblong to elliptic, and about 3-15 cm long. From May to July, the plant blooms small flowers, typically pink to purple in color, that grow in clusters on one side of the stem. The seed pods of the plant are narrow, about 1.5-5 cm in length.
Growth Conditions for Astragalus missouriensis Nutt. var. amphibolus Barneby
Astragalus missouriensis Nutt. var. amphibolus Barneby, commonly referred to as Missouri Milk Vetch, is a perennial herb belonging to the family Fabaceae. This plant is native to North America and is commonly found in the central and western parts of the United States.
Light Requirements
Missouri Milk Vetch generally requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can grow in areas with some shade, but it is important to note that insufficient light can lead to weak stems and reduction in flower and seed production.
Temperature Requirements
Astragalus missouriensis Nutt. var. amphibolus Barneby can grow in a variety of temperature conditions. However, it prefers areas with moderate temperatures that range from 60-90°F. This plant can tolerate low temperatures up to 20°F and high temperatures up to 110°F, but it may require extra care and attention during extreme weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
Astragalus missouriensis Nutt. var. amphibolus Barneby grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should ideally be around 7.0, but this plant can grow well in soils with pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0. Missouri Milk Vetch can also tolerate a variety of soil types such as sandy soils, clay soils, and loamy soils, as long as the soil is well-drained.
It is important to note that this plant is adapted to dry, open areas. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot and other water-related issues.
Cultivation
Astragalus missouriensis Nutt. var. amphibolus Barneby is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that grows best in well-drained soils with plenty of sunlight. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but it prefers soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.2. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, and it is recommended to plant it in the spring.
Watering Needs
Astragalus missouriensis Nutt. var. amphibolus Barneby requires little water, as it is a drought-tolerant species. It is recommended to water it once every two weeks, and only do so when the soil is completely dry. It is crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Astragalus missouriensis Nutt. var. amphibolus Barneby is a low-maintenance plant that does not require regular fertilization. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer during planting can help provide the plant with additional nutrients as it grows. It is also possible to apply a 10-10-10 fertilizer once a year, but it is essential to avoid overfertilizing, which can damage the plant.
Pruning
Astragalus missouriensis Nutt. var. amphibolus Barneby does not require regular pruning, but it is possible to perform occasional pruning to remove dead or damaged stems. It can also help improve the plant's shape and encourage new growth. Pruning should ideally be done in the late fall or early spring before the plant begins to set new growth. It is advisable to sterilize pruning tools to avoid transmitting diseases between plants.
Propagation of Astragalus missouriensis Nutt. var. amphibolus Barneby
There are two main ways to propagate Astragalus missouriensis Nutt. var. amphibolus Barneby: by seed or by cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
The easiest way to propagate Astragalus missouriensis Nutt. var. amphibolus Barneby is through seed. The ideal time to collect seeds is in late summer or early fall. The seeds should be collected when they are fully mature and have turned brown. They should be stored in a cool, dry place until spring. In the spring, the seeds can be planted directly in the ground where they will grow. Seeds can also be started indoors several weeks before the last frost date and then transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another method of propagating Astragalus missouriensis Nutt. var. amphibolus Barneby. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be about 4-6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a potting mix that is well-draining. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a bright, but not direct, sunlight. The cuttings should root in about four to six weeks.
Disease Management
Astragalus missouriensis Nutt. var. amphibolus Barneby, commonly known as Missouri milkvetch, may be susceptible to certain diseases that can affect its growth and development. Some common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Rust: This fungal disease can appear as yellowish-orange or reddish-brown spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage rust, remove infected plant material and dispose of it properly. Fungicides may also be effective in preventing the spread of rust.
- Verticillium Wilt: This soil-borne fungal disease can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves, starting at the tips and margins. It may eventually cause the entire plant to collapse. To manage verticillium wilt, remove infected plants and avoid planting susceptible plants in the same area for several years.
- Root Rot: This fungal disease can cause the plant to wilt and collapse, with the roots appearing brown and mushy. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage. Fungicides may also be effective in preventing the spread of root rot.
- Bacterial Blight: This bacterial disease can cause wilting, yellowing, and browning of the leaves, as well as dark water-soaked spots on the stems. To manage bacterial blight, remove infected plant material and dispose of it properly. Copper-based fungicides may also be effective in preventing the spread of bacterial blight.
Pest Management
Astragalus missouriensis Nutt. var. amphibolus Barneby may also be susceptible to certain pests that can damage the plant. Some common pests that may affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects can infest the leaves and stems of the plant, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars can chew through the stems of the plant, causing wilting and collapse. To manage cutworms, place collars or barriers around the base of the plant to prevent them from crawling up, or use insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can infest the underside of the leaves, causing yellowing and speckling. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
- Thrips: These tiny insects can infest the flowers and buds of the plant, causing distortion and discoloration. To manage thrips, use yellow sticky cards to trap them, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
